ABU DHABI (UAE) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour returns to one of its most iconic and favorite destinations . You know who we are talking about. That's right, Abu Dhabi.
Here is all the important information for the 13th WT event of the season.
Where can I watch the Abu Dhabi World Tour?
The action runs from October 26-27 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.
Who is competing in Abu Dhabi?
10 of the top 13 teams in the rankings and a total of 14 squads: Ub Huishan NE, Vienna, Miami, Riffa, Amsterdam, Raudondvaris Hoptrans, Liman, Lausanne, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, Hangzhou, Kandava Turiba, Dusseldorf LFDY, Pirot
What are the pools?
Pool A: Ub Huishan NE, Lausanne, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy Pool B: Vienna, Liman, Hangzhou Pool C: Miami, Raudondvaris Hoptrans, Pirot Pool D: Riffa, Amsterdam, QD
Who are the favorites?
You know who we're going with. It just has to be the No.1 seed Ub Huishan NE (SRB) who are going for a three-peat of titles.
They are smoking hot right now and even though they don't have superstar Strahinja Stojacic, these Serbs are loaded with all-timers and none more legendary than cold-blooded Dejan Majstorovic.
Ub's quest for another dub will be tough in this insanely loaded draw. We will have to narrow it down to three other absolute contenders - starting with Vienna (AUT), who will be led by previous MVP winners Quincy Diggs and Nico Kaltenbrunner.
Miami (USA) have showcased their depth of talent and remained a contender in the absence of superstar Jimmer Fredette. They have a dude who can replace Jimmer's scoring binge and his name is James Parrott who is HIM on the half-court.
Riffa (BRN) have finally clicked as this season has worn on with Thibaut Vervoort - fresh off his breaking the shoot-out record - ready to be 'Must See TV' once again.
Ok, we lied. We just have to name one more contender. That's Amsterdam (NED) because it's been the Year of the Dutch in 3x3, so they deserve respect next to their name.
Who are the players to watch?
We've already listed some of them already, but left Worthy de Jong for this space because we feel this absolute superstar has a scoring explosion planned for Abu Dhabi.
You just can't do anything to stop Aurelijus Pukelis when he gets into position because he towers over opponents and has a sweet J. He's like a 3x3 KD. It ain't fair for opponents.
You want to see something trippy on the half-court then wait for Gilles Martin to get the Wilson in his fans.
Dulguun Enkhbat will unleash terror on opponents for his lockdown D, while young guns Francis Lacis and Leon Fertig are ready to make statements on the World Tour.
FIBA